Loudoun Student Returns For Second Scripps National Spelling Bee

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — The Scripps National Spelling Bee will be a bit of deja vu for Loudoun County seventh grader Oviya Amalraj, who advanced to the national competition for a second time.

Amalraj, a student at J. Michael Lunsford Middle School, won the 42nd Annual Loudoun County Public Schools Regional Spelling Bee at Briar Woods High School on Thursday by spelling Sufi, a noun that means an ascetic Muslim mystic. The spelling bee continued for 14 rounds before Amalraj won over Mercer Middle School sixth grader Arnav Bharath Kumar.

"We are proud of all spelling bee participants and congratulate them on their achievement,” said LCPS Superintendent Aaron Spence. "We also thank their families, teachers and friends for their support of these amazing spellers as they embody LCPS’ commitment to academic excellence."

Amalraj will be part of the 97th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee from May 26 to 20 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. The competition features students from around the U.S. competing on national television. Regional competitions in February and March are deciding which spellers will move on to the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee dates back to 1925 and is hosted by the E.W. Scripps Company. Spellers will have the chance to compete for grand prizes and win recognition for their spelling skills.